I belong to the other branch of the Carmelite order (Ancient Observance). I made my profession in 1976. We do not make vows, we make promises to follow the Lay Carmelite rule. In rare instances there may be vows, but that is between the member and their spiritual director.
We pray the Liturgy of the Hours: Morning, Evening and Night Prayer, and one-half hour of prayer of our choice, such as Lectio Divina or Quiet contemplation with the Lord, etc.
We make our best efforts to attend the monthly meetings, as they are most helpful! We do our prayers and studies together and bond with the other members. Sickness and being present for a grandchild’s Baptism are some reasons why one would not attend the monthly meeting.
We wear the large Brown Scapular over our clothes at our meetings, Days of Recollection, and yearly weekend retreat. We do have the choice of being buried in the habit, and when one makes that choice they have to purchase it in advance of death. I know of only two ladies in all my years of the Lay Carmelites, who have chosen the full habit. I choose to be buried in the large scapular over my clothes…(don’t want to shock my children!)
Over the years we have at times, shared retreats with Discalced Carmelites, and have had O.C.D. priests lead our private retreats, as well as O. Carm. of course.